How were parish goals determined?
Parish campaign goals were set by taking the average of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 offertories and multiplying by 151 percent. The same method was applied to every parish.

How will my parish benefit from this campaign?
One of the primary goals of the campaign is to help parishes achieve their fundraising goals. Therefore, 20 percent of every dollar raised at each parish will be returned to the parish for its own needs. Once the goal is reached, the parish will receive 50 percent of each dollar raised above goal up to 150% of goal. Parishes that raise more than 150% of goal will keep 75 percent of funds above that level. In addition, 5 percent of all monies raised up to goal will be placed in a Parish Sharing Fund. This fund will be used to provide additional support for poor parishes.

Is the parish goal an assessment?
No, the campaign goal is not an assessment. All we ask is that each parish makes a good faith effort in implementing the campaign. If a parish receives less than 70% of its goal in pledges, it most likely did not put forth a good faith effort, and therefore forfeits its 20 percent share of the campaign.

When will parishes begin to receive their share of funds?
Parishes will receive their first distribution at the conclusion of their parish campaign. Parish funds will be distributed quarterly in January, April, July and October of each year throughout the redemption period. Distributions will be based on cash collected.

How will the campaign affect our parish offertory?
In the short term, offertory giving is expected to remain level. We are not asking parishioners to diminish giving to their parish rather we are asking them to consider a gift to the campaign above and beyond their regular offertory giving. Every effort will be made to remind families of their need to continue to support their parish and the UCA. In the long term, campaigns such as this have actually increased parish offertory giving. This is because parishioners are encouraged to continue to embrace stewardship as a way of life and strengthen their vision of what it is to be a member of the Church.

How is this campaign different from the UCA?
Gifts to the United Catholic Appeal (UCA) go to fund the annual operating expenses of diocesan programs and ministries. This campaign seeks to address long range, extraordinary needs that are beyond the scope of the annual operating budgets. People have been very generous to the UCA; however, the needs of our diocese and parishes call us to do much more. A successful campaign will enable us to meet the challenges we face allowing us to better serve our communities.

Why are pledges encouraged, instead of one-time donations?
Pledge commitments over three-to-five years allow families to make a more significant gift than they might otherwise be capable of making with a one-time gift. A contribution is easier to pay off over a period of time rather than out of pocket. It is important to note that pledges are not legally binding but rather a statement of what you intend to do.

How much should I give to the campaign?
Families are asked to prayerfully consider a specific gift plan in accordance with their own means and circumstances. Pledges are payable in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments over a three-to-five year period. The principles of stewardship promote equal sacrifices rather than equal gifts.

Is a 10% initial payment required?
No, but it is encouraged. The campaign seeks to raise funds for several building projects. Diocesan policies require that 50% of funds needed for building projects be collected before construction begins, making an initial payment of 10% will help us to reach this level sooner. An initial payment of any amount demonstrates your commitment to fulfilling your pledge.

How will pledges be collected?
The Diocese will be responsible for the redemption phase of the campaign (collecting the pledges). The development office will track pledges and gifts, and handle the payment reminders over the designated five-year pledge period. Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) and credit card payments are also accepted.

Will any of these funds be used for items other than the established case elements?
Absolutely NOT. The Diocese has both a legal and moral obligation to restrict these funds for the stated elements. The funds raised for the campaign will be used exclusively for the named case elements. These funds are protected.